Gravel adventure in Cantabria, Palentina Mountain and Alto Ebro
Gravel adventure in Cantabria, Palentina Mountain and Alto Ebro
The birth of the Ebro River crossing three provinces
bike type
Gravel
Duration
5 days
Profile
Sport
Distance and slope
305 km / +5.516 m
Trip Summary
Discover the Palentina Mountain, Cantabria and the Ebro Valley on an exciting gravel ride.
You will pedal along trails that cross spectacular landscapes, such as the Geopark of Las Loras and Monte Hijedo, and you will climb ports like the Pamporquero Pass. Explore towns full of history such as Brañosera, the first town hall in Spain, and marvel at the Romanesque architecture of places such as Aguilar de Campoo.
With the river ebro As a companion, you will enjoy deep valleys, nature reserves such as the European bison reserve, and charming little villages. A perfect trip for those looking for the ideal mix of challenge, nature and culture.
Reserve your place and experience Palencia on two wheels!
Date and availability
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Location
Trip description
Gravel through the Palentina Mountains, Cantabria and the Ebro Valley: A journey between history, nature and adventure
Explore the essence of Palencia on a gravel bike
Embark on a unique experience through the Palencia province and its surroundings, a territory full of contrasts, history and dream landscapes. This trip designed for cyclists of gravel It will take you along paths that wind through mountains, deep valleys, and charming villages, where each pedal stroke will be an opportunity to connect with nature and discover the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The hidden beauty of the Palentina Mountain
La Palentine Mountain, with its imposing peaks, endless forests and historic villages, will be the heart of this adventure. From Cervera de Pisuerga to Reinosa, you will visit emblematic places such as the Geopark of Las Loras, Monte Hijedo and the Pamporquero Pass, climbing up to 1600 metres above sea level. At each stage, you'll enjoy breathtaking views and trails that are perfect for your gravel bike.
Living history and nature in its purest form
This trip is not only a delight for the senses, but also a journey through history. You will pass through Brañosera, the first town hall in Spain, and visit Romanesque monuments in towns such as Colmenares de Ojeda and Perazancas. In addition, you will delve into the San Cebrián Valley, home to a European bison reserve, where you can see these majestic animals in their habitat.
The Ebro as a travelling companion
The Ebro River, one of the great arteries of Spain, will be your guide in several stages. From its source in Fontibre to its winding banks in Orbaneja del Castillo, you will pedal alongside its crystal-clear waters, crossing canyons, historic bridges and valleys that seem straight out of a storybook.
Towns with soul and unforgettable landscapes
During the tour, you will discover the essence of small towns like Aguilar de Campoo, Suso or Aldea de Ebro. Each of them will welcome you with its traditional architecture, its history and, of course, the kindness of its people. At the end of each stage, you will have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine and rest in surroundings that invite calm and enjoyment.
A trip designed for gravel lovers
This multi-day tour combines technical and challenging stretches with moments of pure contemplation, making every kilometer worthwhile. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or looking for a new way to explore, this trip will take you beyond just pedaling, offering you an experience you will remember forever.
Discover the most authentic Palencia on two wheels. Book now and live an unforgettable adventure on gravel roads!
Itinerary
Welcome briefing
Welcome briefing
On the first day, we will all arrive in Cervera de Pisuerga and just before dinner, we will have a short briefing to get to know each other and explain the routes we will take during the trip.
A first meeting where we will resolve doubts and share experiences with the rest of the group.
Cervera de Pisuerga - Aguilar de Campoo
Distance
75 Km
Elevation
+1200m
Cervera de Pisuerga - Aguilar de Campoo
Territory: Boedo and La Ojeda regions
Embark on this spectacular gravel journey that combines nature, history and physical challenge. From Cervera de Pisuerga, The tour will take you through the majestic pine forests of the Palentina Mountain, crossing places of solitude and unparalleled beauty, ideal for those seeking total disconnection.
In the first kilometers, you will enjoy winding paths and views that seem taken from a postcard. With hardly any towns along the way, each pedal stroke becomes a moment of connection with the environment, where the song of the birds and the whisper of the wind will be your only companions.
The route is also a journey into the past, with stops at authentic jewels of Romanesque art that dot the regions of Boedo and La Ojeda. You will marvel at the architectural details of churches such as those in Colmenares de Ojeda, Perazancas de Ojeda and Vellespinoso de Aguilar.
Finally, the day ends in Aguilar de Campoo, a place where Romanesque architecture merges with an environment full of life, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the local cuisine.
Aguilar de Campoo - Orbaneja del Castillo
Distance
94 Km
Elevation
+1362m
Aguilar de Campoo - Orbaneja del Castillo
Territory: Geopark of Las Loras and Ebro Valley
Embark on a gravel day that will take you from the historic streets of Aguilar de Campoo to the charming town of Orbaneja del Castillo, nestled on the banks of the Ebro River. This route is a feast for the senses, combining spectacular landscapes, charming villages and a journey full of geological and cultural history.
The journey begins by ascending towards the Las Loras Geopark, a natural formation declared a Global Geopark by UNESCOHere, erosion has sculpted a unique landscape of plateaus and valleys, where each pedal stroke offers panoramic views and the sensation of pedalling in an almost magical environment. Along the way, you can see the imposing Peña Amaya, which at 1369 metres stands majestically as the highest point in the region.
On your journey, you will pass through small towns full of authenticity, such as Sargentes de la Lora, the capital of the region and home to a curious oil museum. This stop is ideal for discovering how this seemingly remote region witnessed an important chapter in Spain's industrial history.
From the heights of the plateau, the route descends towards the bottom of the valley, transforming into a Exciting descent towards the Ebro River. Finally, you will reach Orbaneja del Castillo, a fairytale village where waterfalls, caves and rock formations are waiting to take your breath away. This destination not only stands out for its natural beauty, but also for its tranquility and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for ending the day with a good rest and a well-deserved local dinner.
In the afternoon in Orbaneja del Castillo, we can freely choose a place to have dinner, since meals are not served at the accommodation.
Orbaneja del Castillo - Reinosa
Distance
71 km
Elevation
+1493m
Orbaneja del Castillo - Reinosa
Territory: Ebro Valley, Monte Hijedo and Campoo Region
Immerse yourself in this exciting stage that combines nature, history and the power of the Ebro River as a guiding thread. From Orbaneja del Castillo, the route follows the course of the Ebro to Polientes, offering you a journey full of spectacular landscapes and the rural charm of small towns.
The itinerary goes into the Mount Hijedo, one of the best preserved mixed forests in northern Spain. You'll cycle through oak and beech trees, surrounded by a magical atmosphere that seems to come from another time. This stretch is a real delight for gravel lovers, with quiet paths that connect picturesque villages such as Arantiones, Población de Arriba and Mediadoro.
In Aldea de Ebro, the river is once again the protagonist, accompanying you on a stretch that gently ascends along its banks. This effort is rewarded when you reach the Arroyo Dam, a point where the immensity of the landscape becomes present and invites you to pause to enjoy the views.
The next challenge is the climb to Monte Cotío, a natural viewing point from which the Campoo region unfolds before your eyes. This high point of the route is perfect for taking a breath and appreciating the grandeur of the surroundings before beginning the descent towards the Ebro reservoir. The Homa bridge of Ebro It will be your entrance to a more relaxed final part, which culminates in the town of Reinosa, passing through Requejo.
Reinosa, known as the gateway to Cantabria, will welcome you with its mountain character and rich cuisine, ideal for recovering strength after a day of effort and unforgettable landscapes.
Reinosa - Cervera de Pisuerga
Distance
65 km
Elevation
+1461m
Reinosa - Cervera de Pisuerga
Territory: Cantabria and Palentina Mountains
Discover a stage full of history, nature and rural charm in this route that links Reinosa with Cervera de Pisuerga, crossing spectacular landscapes and emblematic places.
The tour begins with an essential visit: the source of the Ebro River in Fontibre. This place, surrounded by a bucolic setting, is ideal for an initial break that connects you with the essence of the river you have followed during the trip. From there, the route gradually ascends, leaving the Campoo Valley through the picturesque town of Suso, offering the first views of the mountains that await you ahead.
Already in Palencia, you will reach Brañosera, considered the first town hall in Spain, a place full of history and authenticity. From here begins the challenge of the day: the climb to the Collado de Pamporquero, at 1600 metres above sea level. This port offers an effort that is compensated with impressive views of the Palentina Mountain, a landscape where nature shows itself in all its splendor.
The descent takes you to the San Cebrián Valley, home to a fascinating reserve of European bison. This conservation project is a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent animals up close in their natural habitat, a moment that will make this stage unforgettable.
The day continues between small villages full of charm, where each pedal stroke brings you closer to the end in Cervera de Pisuerga, gateway to the Palentina MountainsHere, peaceful surroundings and a warm welcome await you to conclude this stage full of experiences and natural beauty.
Advantages of booking your event with BikeFriendly
Culture
This gravel bike trip is also a tour of the history and tradition of northern Spain. Along the way you will discover medieval villages, Romanesque churches and unique monuments, like Brañosera, considered the first town hall in Spain.
The route follows traces of centuries of rural life, with popular stone architecture, quiet squares, and the hospitality of its people. In addition, the Ebro river and Palentine Mountain They show the close relationship between culture and nature, offering landscapes that have marked the history of the region.
An experience that combines sport, heritage, and the authentic essence of these lands.
Climate
De april to october The climate is perfect for gravel cycling, with mild temperatures in spring and autumn, and cool summers in the mountains that rarely exceed 28°C. Winter brings cold and snow, so it's not recommended for touring.
Gastronomy
The route is also a journey of flavors. In Palencia you can enjoy the roasted churro lamb, mountain sausages and artisan cheeses, while in Cantabria the most notable are traditional Cantabrian cuisine, with fresh fish dishes, mountain stew and desserts such as quesadas or sobaos.
A simple yet hearty cuisine, perfect for replenishing energy after each stage.
Land
The tour combines gravel tracks, country roads and secondary roads, with gradients that alternate demanding climbs in the Palentina Mountains with gentler stretches in the Ebro valleys. You'll find varied surfaces: compacted earth, loose gravel, and forest trails that make the route entertaining and technical in places.
A changing and authentic terrain, designed for enjoying gravel in its purest form.
Included services
Accommodations
Accommodations in a shared room. Possibility of choosing an extra single room.
Half pension
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel (dinner in Orbaneja is not included)
Briefing
Welcome briefing to explain the trip and answer questions.
Route itinerary
Tracks of the stages, so you can load them on your GPS device or App that you normally use.
Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer between accommodations.
Telephone assistance
Telephone assistance on the road to help you manage potential problems.
Shower after finishing
On the last day you can shower before returning home.
Not included
Not included
Any service not detailed in the Included Services section
Arrival at the meeting point and return home
Arrival at the meeting point and return home at the end of the trip.
Beverages
All drinks for lunch and dinner.
Dinner in Orbaneja
The stage that ends in Orbaneja del Castillo, dinner is not included.
Additional to hire
Supplement for single occupancy room
If you prefer to sleep alone in the room, hire the supplement
Assistance and cancellation insurance
If you think something unforeseen may arise... you can take out assistance and cancellation insurance
Bike rental
If you need a rental bike, ask us, we can help you arrange it with a local company
Guide
A guide on the road who will accompany you riding by your side
Extra night at the end of the trip
If you want to stay one more night before returning home, you can hire it
Support vehicle
Support vehicle along the route to offer mechanical assistance, supplies, etc.
*Check our cancellation policy.
Gallery
Testimonials
The work being done by Bicycles Without Borders and Bikefriendly is commendable and makes me think there is still hope in the world.
I've seen firsthand that this project is real and not just a gimmick. The idea is truly brilliant, and it's helping many children and adolescents continue their education in a very meaningful way, as it's not a charity, but a means for the local population to develop.
The immersive experience in the country is complete, and traveling around the country by bike helps us feel fully integrated into the environment. In just one week, we've been able to understand and learn a lot about this country and its wonderful people, who are materially poor but spiritually rich.
I take my hat off to the work done by both the guide Sergio and the local team, which included Alpha, my lifelong friend and very professional, as well as Idi, Maurice, and Sidy.
I will definitely recommend this trip.
I recommend it, the routes exceeded my expectations! The hotels were good and the food was very good.
FAQs
I have allergies or intolerances. Can you adapt the menus?
Do I have to bring my water and bars during the route?
What is the most appropriate rhythm?
How are shared rooms?
Do you have any doubt? Ask us!
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